Kandiyohi
CRIME & SAFETY
Man sues Willmar police officer, city over arrest 2 years ago
(Willmar MN-) The City of Willmar and a Willmar police officer are being sued by a Willmar man who claims he was wrongly arrested and harassed 2 years ago. Derrick Gilbert filed the civil suit June 22nd, and both the city and officer Christopher Flatten have 21 days from the date to respond. In his complaint, Gilbert claims he was arrested for "walking while black" on June 22nd 2022. Officer Flatten was reportedly looking for a suspect to arrest him on a warrant when they saw Gilbert walking and thought he was the suspect they were looking for. They stopped him and questioned him. Gilbert says he did not fit the physical description of the man and showed i.d., but he was arrested on a charge of obstructing the legal process. The charges were dropped six months later.
Three arrested in connection to Meeker County stabbing and robbery
The Meeker County Sheriff’s Office say a 50-year-old man was found June 26 lying in the ditch with a stab wound and injuries consistent with being hit by a car on 600th Avenue near 230th Street in Litchfield Township.
Midday Headlines – July 5th, 2024
>City of Willmar, Officer Sued by Willmar Man Claiming Wrongful 2022 Arrest. (Willmar, MN) — The City of Willmar and a police officer are being sued by a man who claims he was wrongly arrested and harassed two years ago. Derrick Gilbert of Willmar is seeking $50,000 in damages, claiming he was arrested for “walking while Black” on June 22nd, 2022, by Officer Christopher Flatten. Gilbert says Flatten was reportedly looking for a suspect to arrest on a warrant, whom they suspected he was. Gilbert says he was questioned, and after showing his I.D. and not fitting the physical description of the suspect, he was arrested on a charge of obstructing the legal process, which was dropped six months later. The lawsuit was filed on June 22nd, 2024. Willmar and Flatten now have nine days to respond. Willmar Police Chief Jim Felt says the city does not comment on pending litigation.
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